The Matildas have taken a step back from the axing of their coach Alen Stajcic, issuing a statement saying the group simply wanted to "stay focused on winning the World Cup 2019". In an at times oddly worded statement issued through Professional Footballers Australia on Tuesday, the Matildas appeared to back away from many of the individual player comments made on social media over the weekend. Stajcic was sacked in curious circumstances on Saturday, Football Federation Australia saying it was in part the result of two surveys which determined there was an unacceptable workplace culture in the squad. One of the surveys was conducted by Our Watch, whose mission is to prevent violence against women and children. A spokesperson for Our Watch on Tuesday told The Age that it did not recommend any action be taken against any particular individual associated with the Matildas. For their part, the side - publicly at least - appeared to backing away from criticism over the sacking. "We would like to thank Staj for his dedication to the Matildas and more broadly for being a strong advocate for women's football in Australia," the Matildas statement read. "As a playing group we are committed to continuing to build on the success we have achieved under his guidance. "It's important for us now to stay focused on our common goal, which remains winning the World Cup 2019." The statement appeared to fly in the face of a number of comments made by players such as Sam Kerr who said she was shocked and saddened by his sacking and that he was the best person to lead them through to the World Cup and veteran Lisa De Vanna who simply tweeted: "The Lies, The Lies". The hunt for a replacement for Stajcic has begun with FFA chief David Gallop to meet soon with candidates. Gallop hopes a new coach will be appointed in two weeks. Calls are growing for FFA to reveal the exact reasons behind their decision to sack Stajcic, rather than letting rumours swirl. Australian Associated Press

Matildas issue statement about Stajcic

David Gallop says he's hopeful a new Matildas coach will be appointed in the next couple of weeks.

The Matildas have taken a step back from the axing of their coach Alen Stajcic, issuing a statement saying the group simply wanted to "stay focused on winning the World Cup 2019".

In an at times oddly worded statement issued through Professional Footballers Australia on Tuesday, the Matildas appeared to back away from many of the individual player comments made on social media over the weekend.

Stajcic was sacked in curious circumstances on Saturday, Football Federation Australia saying it was in part the result of two surveys which determined there was an unacceptable workplace culture in the squad.

One of the surveys was conducted by Our Watch, whose mission is to prevent violence against women and children.

A spokesperson for Our Watch on Tuesday told The Age that it did not recommend any action be taken against any particular individual associated with the Matildas.

For their part, the side - publicly at least - appeared to backing away from criticism over the sacking.

"We would like to thank Staj for his dedication to the Matildas and more broadly for being a strong advocate for women's football in Australia," the Matildas statement read.

"As a playing group we are committed to continuing to build on the success we have achieved under his guidance.

"It's important for us now to stay focused on our common goal, which remains winning the World Cup 2019."

The statement appeared to fly in the face of a number of comments made by players such as Sam Kerr who said she was shocked and saddened by his sacking and that he was the best person to lead them through to the World Cup and veteran Lisa De Vanna who simply tweeted: "The Lies, The Lies".

The hunt for a replacement for Stajcic has begun with FFA chief David Gallop to meet soon with candidates.

Gallop hopes a new coach will be appointed in two weeks.

Calls are growing for FFA to reveal the exact reasons behind their decision to sack Stajcic, rather than letting rumours swirl.